Tag: technology

<Keyboarding skills are often considered just important (or more) than handwriting. But when are children developmentally ready?>

Developmental Progression of Keyboarding Skills

Have you ever gone to a restaurant and spotted an entire family on their phone or tablet? Technology is everywhere, and there is no getting away from it. I’m sure you’ve read those articles about the importance of limiting technology and screen time, but what about the importance of teaching technology in a developmentally appropriate way?

<Students who struggle with getting their thoughts on paper and HATE writing will LOVE this game-changing app called SnapType Pro.>

With two weeks left of school, the middle school was HOT and sticky. The smell of sweaty teenagers who just didn’t want to be in school permeated through the hallways. As I sat across from the teenager who “HATES writing”, I could see his face growing red.

The tears were building up.

And he still had one more essay to finish.

Having to concentrate on a final exam is just torture for anyone, but it’s even worse for a child with a disability.

Thank goodness I found a way to help this poor child.

Does this sound familiar?

If you know someone who is dysgraphic, you’re familiar with the symptoms.

INVENTING SNAPTYPE

Amberlynn Slavin, a college student in an Occupational Therapy program, came up with this amazing idea and then brought it to fruition. I find myself brimming with ideas, but I’ve still never invented anything! Amberlynn was kind enough to answer a few questions about the process of inventing and developing an app.

I just found the perfect solution to the disinterested child. A Bluebee Pal.

As an OT and a newly certified Assistive Technology provider, I am always looking for fun ways to incorporate interactive technology into to my sessions. I often recommend educational apps and games to parents to help with follow through at home. Let’s face it: Kids love technology. It’s important for them to still manipulate and play with toys, games, and puzzles, but a tablet or cell phone can be used in any location to work on almost any goal.

I am totally on the “LIMIT TECHNOLOGY” for little kids bandwagon and am all about “Pocketbook-Sized Toys”! I have been so inspired by some articles I’ve read lately; especially a great article by Your Therapy Source (link at the bottom). So I decided to make a list of 10 pocketbook-sized toys to occupy your kid (instead of your phone!)

As a public school OT, I work with Kindergarten students two days a week. The continued decline in the basic motor skills of four and five-year-old children is VERY evident. There are probably many reasons why, but I feel that lack of functional play time is a BIG contributor. Nowadays, many kids have their own tablets, TV’s in their rooms, and an IPOD shuffle. They spend less and less time playing outside, which limits their gross motor skills, endurance, and coordination. When they are inside, they spend less time playing with toys and using their hands and more time with technology.